King James Version

What Does Psalms 69:35 Mean?

Psalms 69:35 in the King James Version says “For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 69 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession.”

Psalms 69:35 · KJV

Salvation

Context

33

For the LORD heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners.

34

Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein. moveth: Heb. creepeth

35

For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession.

36

The seed also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein. David calls all creation to join in praising God for His faithfulness to the afflicted. "Heaven and earth" (שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץ/shamayim va'aretz) represents totality of creation—the cosmic spheres above and terrestrial realm below. "The seas" (יַמִּים/yammim) adds the aquatic realm, completing the triad of air, land, and water—the three domains of creation in Genesis 1.

"Every thing that moveth therein" (כָּל־רֹמֵשׂ בָּם/kol-romes bam) includes all living creatures inhabiting these realms—echoing Genesis 1's "living creatures that move" (Genesis 1:20-21, 24-25). This universal call to praise demonstrates that God's faithfulness to His people has cosmic significance. When God delivers the righteous, it vindicates His justice, demonstrates His power, and reveals His character—truths that deserve universal acclamation.

This anticipates Psalms' frequent cosmic praise choruses (Psalm 96:11-13, 98:7-9, 148:1-14) and New Testament's vision of universal worship when Christ returns (Philippians 2:10-11, Revelation 5:13). Creation itself groans, awaiting redemption (Romans 8:19-22). When God delivers His people, it's downpayment on cosmic restoration, warranting all creation's praise.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern creation theology often personified natural elements as deities requiring appeasement. Israel's radical monotheism rejected this—creation isn't divine but created, existing to glorify its Creator (Psalm 19:1, 29:1-9, 148:1-14). Yet creation is depicted as responsive to God, praising Him and obeying His commands. Mountains skip, rivers clap, trees sing (Psalm 98:8, 114:4, Isaiah 55:12). This poetic language expresses theological reality: all creation glorifies God by fulfilling its created purpose.

The call for creation to praise God echoes the conclusion of Psalm 148 and anticipates Psalms 149-150, where everything that breathes praises Yahweh. This cosmic praise reflects creation's purpose: to manifest God's glory. Human sin marred creation, but God's redemptive work restores it. Each deliverance of His people demonstrates this restoration, warranting creation's renewed praise.

Paul taught that creation eagerly awaits believers' glorification because creation's own liberation depends on it (Romans 8:19-22). Creation fell through Adam's sin and will be restored through Christ and His redeemed people. When God delivers His servants, it's foretaste of cosmic redemption, appropriate occasion for universal praise.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does calling all creation to praise God expand your vision beyond merely personal salvation to cosmic redemption?
  2. What does it mean that creation 'groans' awaiting redemption, and how does believers' deliverance connect to creation's hope?
  3. In what ways do you experience or observe creation glorifying God through fulfilling its created purpose?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כִּ֤י1 of 10
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֱלֹהִ֨ים׀2 of 10

“For God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

י֘וֹשִׁ֤יעַ3 of 10

“will save”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

צִיּ֗וֹן4 of 10

“Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

וְ֭יִבְנֶה5 of 10

“and will build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

עָרֵ֣י6 of 10

“the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

יְהוּדָ֑ה7 of 10

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וְיָ֥שְׁבוּ8 of 10

“that they may dwell”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

שָׁ֝֗ם9 of 10
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וִירֵשֽׁוּהָ׃10 of 10

“there and have it in possession”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 69:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 69:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 51:18Isaiah 44:26Isaiah 46:13Psalms 48:11-13Psalms 102:16Obadiah 1:17

Places in This Verse

ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Psalms 69 →

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